The easing of coronavirus restrictions for Christmas is set to go ahead in Northern Ireland, it is understood.
Plans to allow families and friends to mix over Christmas will go ahead but there will be stronger warnings about the risks of spreading coronavirus.
Concerns have been raised that relaxing the restrictions to allow households to mix will lead to the NHS being overwhelmed.
Talks between the UK Government and leaders of the devolved administration are understood to have backed the planned relaxation of restrictions despite warnings from medical experts about the dangers.
First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill were on the call and although it is understood both have concerns about the current situation in Northern Ireland, there was broad agreement there should be no change to regulations.
BBC's Jayne McCormack has said the ministers will likely take further advice from health advisers in Northern Ireland and discuss the issue at tomorrow’s executive meeting.
Political leaders have however agreed to stronger messaging around the need for people to limit their contacts at Christmas.
The public will be urged to keep travel to a minimum and use common sense in regard to social contact, the source told the PA news agency.
Senior Cabinet minister Michael Gove and leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland continued talks this morning to agree the approach.
They are understood to be working on a joint statement, indicating that a four-nations approach will continue.
The discussions come after Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that it would be up to people to make a "personal judgment" whether they wanted to meet up with vulnerable family members over the holiday period.
He suggested that some people may decide to "keep it small" and put off larger gatherings until the spring, saying: "Easter can be the new Christmas."
